Cooling tower

ABSTRACT

A modular method of constructing the fill area of a cooling tower which includes the steps of: fabricating specially designed modules on work platforms located adjacent the tower location; positioning the fill hangers and fill strips within the modules; and lifting the modules from the platform and positioning them one alongside another and one atop of another above the foundation. The modules take the form of three basic designs; lower modules, intermediate modules, and upper modules. The individual modules of each design are substantially the same with the exception of the addition of partition walls and/or cross braces to specific modules. The design of the modules are such that they all may be fabricated on the same work platforms in an efficient and economical manner. Simple interconnection of adjacent moduules is also provided for without requiring additional structural member or joints not normally required in conventional tower construction.

United States Patent [1 1 Luzaich [l1] 3,870,773 Mar. 11, 1975 COOLINGTOWER [75] Inventor: Samuel Luzaich, Santa Rosa, Calif.

[73] Assignee: Ecodyne Corporation, Chicago, Ill.

Primary Examiner-Andrew R. Juhasz Assistant E.raminer--Z. R. BilinskyAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Joel E. Siegel; Charles Mu Kaplan [57 1ABSTRACT A modular method of constructing the fill area of a coolingtower which includes the steps of: fabricating specially designedmodules on work platforms located adjacent the tower location;positioning the fill hangers and fill strips within the modules; andlifting the modules from the platform and positioning them one alongsideanother and one atop of another above the foundation. The modules takethe form of three basic designs; lower modules, intermediate modules,and upper modules. The individual modules of each design aresubstantially the same with the exception of the addition of partitionwalls and/or cross braces to specific modules. The design of the modulesare such that they all may be fabricated on the same work platforms inan efficient and economical manner. Simple interconnection of adjacentmoduules is also provided for without requiring additional structuralmember or joints not normally required in conventional towerconstruction.

1 Claim, 21 Drawing Figures MAUI/,4! mam". er/1 UUU n m Fur/Mm COOLINGTOWER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relatesprimarily to mechanical draft water cooling towers of the crossflow typeand more specifically concerns itself with a unique modular method ofconstructing the fill area of such towers.

Crossflow cooling towers typically are constructed to have a basic shellor enclosure on two vertical end walls, with louvered openings locatedat the side walls to pass air laterally into the tower interior. At thetop of the tower are one or more fans rotating in shrouds or housingsfor discharging air from the tower, as well as hot water distributionbasins. Hot water from the latter is distributed by metering orifices tofall within the fill area of the tower, wherein it is broken up intodroplets by splashing on fill strips, the water also filming on suchstrips. The air cooled water is ultimatelycollected in a cool waterbasin structure at the bottom of the tower.

The fill areas of such cooling towers generally include a frameworkcomprising a plurality of interconnected wood vertical posts andhorizontal tie members. These posts and tie members carry vertical andhorizontal loads and support the fill strips. Because of the large sizeof the fill area interior it is not practical to construct the frameworkfrom posts and tie members which are of sufficient length to extend thefull height and length of the tower. It is therefore .necessary toconnect a plurality of posts and tie members in an end to endrelationship to achieve the desired height and length.

It has heretofore been the usual practice to fabricate the fill areas oflarge cooling towers by individually securing together theposts and tiemembers in place above the cool water basin. Owing to the great heightof the fill area it is necessary for workmen to be performing numerousconnecting operations on the tower at substantial distances above theground. This results in a construction efficiency which decreases as thework location distance above the ground increases. This type ofconstruction also requires that the workmen be relatively familar withcooling tower construction as each individual is called upon to performnumerous different operations at each work location on the tower. It hasfurther been the heretofore practice to install the fill hangers and thefill strips in place within the fill area after construction of the fillarea framework. This similarly results in decreased efficiency as thearea being provided with the fill strips increases in elevation abovethe ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a primary object of the presentinventionto provide a method of constructing the fill area of a coolingtower that utilizes efficient construction techniques.

Another object is to provide a modular method of constructing the fillarea of a cooling tower which does not require substantial changes inthe framework design.

A further object is to provide a modular method of constructing the fillarea of a cooling tower which utilizes a minimum number of differentmodule designs having fill strips positioned therein.

A still further object is to provide fill area modules designed to beefficiently constructed on work platforms located adjacent the towerbasin and then lifted into place for quick assembly to form the fillarea of the tower..

Another object is to provide a cooling tower of the type indicated abovewhich is economical to construct and is efficient in performing itsintended functions.

These and other objects are realized in accordance with the presentinvention by providing a method of constructing the fill area of thetower which includes the steps of: fabricating specially designedmodules on work platforms located adjacent the tower location;positioning the fill hangers and fill strips within the modules; andlifting the modules from the platform and positioning them one alongsideanother and one atop of another above the-foundation. The modules takethe form of three basic designs; lower modules, intermediate modules,and upper modules. The individual modules of each design aresubstantiallythe same with the exception of the addition of partitionwalls and/or cross braces to spepicific modules to eliminate thenecessity of providing same after the modules have been positioned inplace. The design of the modules is such that they all may be fabricatedon the same work platforms in an efficient and economical manner. Simpleinterconnection of adjacent modules is also provided for withoutrequiring additional structural members or joints not normally requiredin conventional tower construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and many of theattendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals designate like partsthroughout the figures'thereof and wherein;

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a work site set up to practicethe construction method of the present invention; g

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a work platform for constructing themodules of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic elevational representation of the fill area of acooling tower constructed in accordance with the present inventionshowing the positioning of the modules;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan representation of the lower modules takenalong line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan representation ofthe intermediate modulestaken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan representation of the upper modules takenalong line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a transverse section of the fill areataken along line 77 in FIG. 3 illustrating the positioning andconnection of the lower, intermediate and upper modules.

FIG. 8 is a transverse elevational view of a lower module;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal elevational view of the lower module in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the lower module in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 isa transverse elevational view of an intermediate module;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal elevational view of the intermediate module inFIG. 11;

'in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal elevational view of an intermediate modulesimilar to FIG. 12 having a partition wall and without a cross brace;'

FIG. 15 is a transverse elevational view of an upper module;

FIG. 16 is longituidnal elevational view of the upper module in F1 l;

FIG. 17 is a\top plan view of the upper module in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustratin drawin device for locating theposts of adjacent modules directly above one another FIG. 19 is aperspective view illustrating the connection between the respectiveadjacent posts of two modules positioned one on top of the other;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the connection apparatus forconnecting'together cross braces of adjacent modules; and

FIG. 21 is a top plan view illustrating the connection between therespective tie members of adjacent modules.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, there isshown a schematic representation of an exemplary work site layout foruse in practicing the present invention. The tower basin is typically apoured-in-place concrete structure which serves as a support foundationfor the tower structure and a basin for collecting cool water.Positioned adjacent tower basin 10 are a plurality of work platforms 12which serve as work stations for constructing the fill area modules. Asseen in FIG. 2, each platform 12 includes a plywood working decksupported above the ground by joists 16. Deck 15 includes a plurality ofspecial fittings 17 extending therethrough spaced for receipt of thevertical posts used in the construction of the modules. Scaffolding 18is positioned around deck 15 to permit workmen to construct the modulesand insert the fill strips therein without having to climb up on thestructural members ofthe modules. A material storage area 14 isconveniently provided adjacent the work platforms 12.

Referring to FIG. 7, a transverse cross section of a portion of acrossflow cooling tower constructed in accordance with the presentinvention is shown as including a fill area structure supported abovebasin 10. Fill area 20 is formed by the interconnection of lower modules22, intermediate modules 24, and upper modules 26. Positioned withinmodules 22, 24, and 26 are fill hangers 28 which support longitudinallyextending fill strips 29. Secured to the outer surface of fill area 20is louver blade assembly 30. Drift eliminator assembly 32 is secured atthe inner surface of fill area 20. Liquid, such as water to be cooled,is pumped to the top of the tower where it is distributed via suitableoutlets so as to descend through fill area 20. The descending liquid isbroken up into droplets by splashing on the fill strips 29 and alsofilms on such strips, after which it is collected in basin 10 forremoval. A rotating fan draws air for cooling laterally through thetower for upward discharge through the fan stack. The air passessuccessively through the louver blade assembly 30, the fill area 20, andthrough drift eliminator assembly 32, as indicated by arrows 33; incooling relation to the falling liquid droplets.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a transverse elevation of thefill area of an exemplary eight cell cooling tower construction inaccordance with the present invention. The longitudinal rows of lower,in-

termediate, and upper modules are respectively indicated at 22, 24, and26. Each module is represented by a pair of vertical posts which are invertical alignment with the posts of the module connected immediatelyabove and a pair of horizontal ties in horizontal alignment with theties of the module immediately adjacent. Referring to FIGS. 4-6, aschematic representation of a top plan of the tower of FIG. 3respectively shows the positioning of the lower, intermediate, and uppermodules. As seen in FIG. 4 there are nine different forms of the lowermodules 22 indicated by the reference numerals 41-49. FIG. 5 shows thatthere are eight different forms of the intermediate modules 24 indicatedby the reference numerals 50-57. And FIG. 6 shows that there are sevendifferent forms of the upper modules 26 indicated by reference numerals58-64. The relative positioning and stacking of these modules and themethod of constructing the same will hereinafter be disclosed with therequisite particularity.

The structure of the lower modules 22 is illustrated in FIGS. 8-10. Eachmodule 22 includes six vertically extending posts which are positionedin two transverse rows of three each and three longitudinal rows of twoeach, as best seen in FIG. 10. Connecting each transverse row of posts70 together are two sets of transverse ties 72, respectively bolted to alower and intermediate portion of the posts 70. Each set of ties 72includes a pair of frame members 73 and 74 which sandwich the posts 70therebetween. Connecting each longitudinal row of posts 70 together aretwo sets of longitudinal ties 75, respectively bolted to an upper andintermediate portion of the posts 70. The longitudinal ties 75 whichconnect the inner two longitudinal rows of posts 70 includes a pair offrame members 76 and 77 which sandwich the posts 70 therebetween. Thelongitudinal tie members 75 which connect the outer longitudinal row ofposts 70 includes a single frame member 78 secured to the inner surfacesof posts 70. As seen in FIG. 10, all the frame members 76, 77, and 78are secured to the inner transverse row of posts at their midpoints andare scarfed at their ends to facilitate connection of adjacent lowermodules.

Transverse braces 79 diagonally extend from the lower outside corner ofeach transverse row of posts 70 to the upper inside corner thereof, inthe same transverse plane, as seen in FIG. 8. Each transverse brace 79includes a frame member 80, bolted at its lower end to an anchor casting301 at the lower end of the outside post and at its upper end to themiddle post adjacent the intersection with the transverse tie members72, and a frame member 81, secured at its lower end to the middle postin a diagonal extension of member 80. The upper end of member 81 extendsabove the inner post and is scarfed to facilitate connection to atransverse brace 88, as seen in FIG. 7. Connecting plates 82 securemembers 80, 81 and the middle post 70 together, on both sides thereof.Extending transversely across the tops of the longitudinal ties 75 andnailed thereto are a plurality of spaced apart fill hanger supportmembers 83. Fill hangers 28 are secured to and suspended from members83. Locking tie members 84 extend longitudinally across the tops oftransverse ties 72, and are nailed thereto, for locking fill hangers 28in a fixed position. Fill strips 29 are positioned in place on hangers28.

The structure of the lower modules 22 as hereinabove disclosed is commonto the nine different forms referenced by the numerals 41-49 in FIG. 4.The only significant structural differencesbetween these forms are theinclusion and exclusion of longitudinal braces and partition walls, andthe location of the same. FIG. 3 schematically indicates the location ofthe longitudinal braces by solid diagonal lines referred by the numeral85. FIG. 4 schematically indicates the location of the partition wallsby vertical lines referred by numeral 90.

The exemplary lower module 22 illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 is of the formdesignated by numeral 47 in FIG. 4. This module form includeslongitudinal braces 85 and a partition wall 90, as seen in FIG. 9.Partition wall 90 is formed by nailing a plurality of transverselyextending partition panels 92 to each transverse row of posts 70. Lowermodule forms 44, 46 and 47 have partition walls 90 secured to theoutside transverse row of posts 70 as in FIG. 9, whereas lower moduleform 43 has the partition wall 90 secured to the inside row of posts 70,in a similar manner as in FIG. 14. Longitudinal braces 85 include lowerbrace members 86 and upper brace members 87. In lower module forms 47and 48 the lower ends of members 86 are bolted to the anchor castings301 at the lower ends of the outside posts of each longitudinal row ofposts 70 and the upper ends are secured to the inside posts of the samelongitudinal row of posts 70 at the points of intersection with thelower longitudinal ties 75. The lower ends of members 87 are secured tothe opposite sides of posts 70 in a diagonally extending relationship tomembers 86 and the upper ends extend upwardly towards the corner of themodule and are scarfed for connection to brace members associated withan intermediate module 24. Connecting plates 88 secure members 86' and87 to posts 70. In module forms 41 and 45 the longitudinal braces 85extend diagonally downward from the upper ends of the outside post ofeach longitudinal row of posts 70 with a slope opposite that of thebraces 85 in module forms 47 and 48 as seen in phantom lines in FIG. 9.In these modules the lower ends of members 86 extend downward towardsthe corner of the module for connection to the anchor castings 301associated with posts 70 of an adjacent lower module 22 and the upperends of members 87 are secured to the upper ends of the outside posts ofthe corresponding longitudinal row of posts 70. The remaining moduleforms 42 and 49 do not include either a partition wall 90 or alongitudinal brace 85. The only difference between module forms 42 and49 is a slightly different arrangement of the fill strips 29 therein,which does not warrant a detailed disclosure herein.

The structure of the intermediate modules 24 is illustrated in FIGS.lI-13. Since many of the structural members of the intermediate modules24 and the lower modules 22 are substantially similar, the discussion ofthese similar members will be brief and will be designated by acorresponding numeral with a hundred added thereto (i. e. poast 170 inmodule 24 corresponds to post 70 in module 22). Intermediate module 24includes six vertically extending posts 170, positioned in twotransverse rows of three each and three longitudinal rows of two each,spaced apart the same distances as the posts 70 in modules 22.Transverse ties 172, including frame members 173 and .174, connect eachtransverse row of posts 170 together. Longitudinal ties 175, includingframe members 176 and 177 connect each longitudinal row of posts 170together. Transverse ties 172 and longitudinal ties 175 are positionedand secured to posts 170 in a similar manner as corresponding ties 72and 75 are positioned and secured to posts 70 in lower modules 22.Extending transversely across the tops of the longitudinal ties 175 andnailed thereto are a plurality of spaced apart fill hanger supportmembers 183. Referring to FIG. 11, the major difference between modules22 and 24 is the addition of louver posts 191. Each module 24 has a pairof louver posts 191 angling outwardly and upwardly from the bottom ofthe outside post of each transverse row of posts 170. The lower end oflouver post 191 is secured to the outer end of the lower transverse tie172 by a bolt passing therethrough sandwiching post 191 between members173 and 174 and to post 170 by a joint plate 191a. An intermediateportion oflouver post 191 is secured to the outer end of the uppertransverse tie 172 in a similar manner-by a bolt passing respectivelythrough member 173, post 191, and member 174. A pair of longitudinallouver ties 193 connect the louver posts 191 together, and are nailed toposts 191 in the same horizontal plane as longitudinal ties 175. Fillhanger support extension members 194 extend supports 183 from theoutside longitudinal row of posts 170 to the louver posts 191 and arenailed at their respective ends to the outside longitudinal ties 175 andlouver ties 193. Fill hangers 28 are secured to and suspended frommembers 183 and 194. Locking tie members 184 extend longitudinallyacross the tops of transverse ties 172, and are nailed thereto, forlocking fill hangers 28 in a fixed position. Fill strips 29 arepositioned in place on hangers 28.

The structure of the intermediate modules 24 as hereinabove disclosed iscommon to the eight different forms referenced by the numerals 50-57 inFIG. 5. The major structural differences between these forms are theinclusion and exclusion of longitudinal braces and partition walls, andthe locations of the same. FIG. 3 schematically indicates the locationof the longitudinal braces by solid diagonal lines referenced by thenumeral 185. FIG. 5 schematically indicates the location of thepartition walls by vertical lines referenced by the numeral 190.

The exemplary intermediate module 24 illustrated in FIG. 11-13 is of theform designated by numeral 51 in FIG. 5. This module form includeslongitudinal braces 185 and does not include a partition wall 190. Thebraces 185 include brace members 187 which have lower ends secured tothe inside posts of each longitudinal row of posts 170 at the point ofintersection with the lower longitudinal ties 175 and upper ends securedto the outside post of the same longitudinal rows of posts 170 at thepoint of intersection with the upper longitudinal ties 175. In moduleform 56 brace members 187 extend upward from the inside post of eachlongitudinal row of posts 170 with a slope opposite that of members 187in module form 51 as indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 12. Module form52 includes a partition wall 190 secured to the inside transverse row ofposts 170, as seen in FIG. 14. Module form 54 includes a partition wall190 secured to the outside transverse row of posts 170, in a similarmanner as partition wall 90 is secured to lower module 22 in FIG. 9.Partition walls 190 are formed by nailing a plurality of transverselyextending partition panels 192 to the respective transverse row of posts170. The remaining modules 50, 53, 55, and 57do not include either apartition wall 190 or braces 185 and are essentially identical forpurposes of this disclosure.

The structure of the upper modules 26 are illustrated in FIGS. -17. Thestructural members of the upper modules 26 which are substantiallyidentical to corresponding structural members in intermediate modules 24will be just briefly discussed and designated by a corresponding numeralwith a hundred added thereto (i.e. post 270 in module 26 corresponds topost 170 in module 24). Upper module 26 includes six verticallyextending posts 270, positioned in two transverse rows of three each andthree longitudinal rows of two each, spaced apart the same distances asposts 170 in module 24. Transverse ties 272, including frame members 273and 274, connect each longitudinal row of posts 270 together and extendoutward for connection to the louver posts 291. Louver posts 291 areangled upwardly and outwardly to form a continuation of louver posts 191in module 24 when they are placed one on top of another. Longitudinalties 275, including frame members 276, and 277 connect each longitudinalrow of posts 270 together. Transverse ties 272 and longitudi nal ties275 are positioned and secured to posts 270 in a similar manner ascorresponding ties 72 and 75 are positioned and secured to posts 70 inthe hereinabove disclosure of lower modules 22. Extending transverselyacross the tops of the upper longitudinal ties 275 and nailed theretoare plurality of spaced apart fill hanger support members 283. Drifteliminator support members 295 are nailed to the upper and lowertransverse ties 272 of each transverse row of posts 270, as seen in FIG.15, for support of the drift eliminator assembly 32. Longitudinal louvertie 293 connects the louver posts 291 together immediately below theirintersection with the upper transverse ties 272. Fill hanger supportextension members 294 extend supports 283 from the middle longitudinalrow of posts 270 to a longitudinal nailer member 296 nailed to members295 immediately below the upper transverse ties 272. Fill hangers 28 aresecured to and suspended from members 283 and 294. Locking tie member284 extends longitudinally across the tops of lower transverse ties 272,and are secured thereto, for locking fill hangers 28 in a fixedposition. Fill strips 29 are positioned in place on hangers 28.

The structure of the upper modules 26 as hereinabove disclosed is commonto the seven different forms references by the numerals 58-64 in FIG. 6.The major structural differences between these forms are the inclusionand exclusion of longitudinal braces and partition walls, and thelocations of the same. FIG. 3 schematically indicates the location ofthe longitudinal braces by solid diagonal lines referenced by thenumeral 285. FIG. 6 schematically indicates the location of thepartition walls by vertical lines referenced by the numeral 290.

The exemplary upper module 26 illustrated in FIGS. 15-17 is of the formdesignated by numeral 60 in FIG. 6. This module form includeslongitudinal braces 285 and a partition wall 290. Braces 285 includebrace members 288 which have lower ends which are secured to the innerposts 270 of the outer and middle longitudinal rows of posts 270 abovethe point of intersection with longitudinal ties 275 and upper endswhich are secured to the outer posts 270 of the correspondinglongitudinal row 270 near the upper ends thereof. Plates 310 are boltedto the ends of braces 288 and corresponding posts 270. Module forms 60and 63 include partition walls 290 secured to the inside transverse rowsof posts 270, as in solid lines in FIG. 16. Module form 61 includes apartition wall 290 secured to the outside transverse row of posts 270,as in FIG. 9. Partition walls 290 are formed by nailing plurality oftransversely extending partition panels 292 to the respective transverserow of posts 270 between the transverse ties 272. Module forms 58, 59,62 and 64 do not include either a partition wall 290 or braces 285 andare essentially identical for purposes of this disclosure.

Lower module 41, intermediate module 50 and upper module 58 are cornermodules and include an extra transverse row of posts 70, 170, and 270respectively which are secured to the outer ends of the longitudinal tiemembers 75, 175 and 275 respectively. in a manner as illustrated withrespect to module 50 by phantom lines in FIGS. 12 and 13. Louver posts191 and 291 are respectively provided and supported from these rows ofposts in modules 50 and 58 in the same manner as in the respectivetransverse row of posts adjacent thereto. These extra transverse rows ofposts are necessary to define the end walls of the tower since there areno modules secured adjacent to what would be their open ends.

In constructing a cooling tower in accordance with the presentinvention, the lower modules 22 are completely erected on work platforms15 as hereinabove disclosed and then lifted therefrom and positioned inplace above tower basin 10. It should be noted that fit tings 17 arespaced to receive the posts and thereby ensure the consistent spacingthereof. The third transverse row of fittings 17 is only used in theconstruction of the corner modules 41, 50, and 58. Referring to FIG. 4,all the lower modules 22 are positioned in place above basin 10 in thesequence depicted, starting with the corner modules 41. The adjacentlower modules 22 are secured together by attaching the horizontallyaligned scarfed ends of longitudinal tie members of the adjacent modules22. This connection is illustrated in FIG. 21 wherein corresponding tiemembers 76 and 77 of adjacent modules are secured together by a boltassembly 300 which passes through members 77, post 70, and members 76.The lower ends of posts 70 are secured to basin 10 by conventionalanchor castings 301, as seen in FIG. 7.

With the lower modules 22 secured in place as indicated above, theintermediate modules 24 are completely erected on work platforms 15 ashereinabove disclosed and then lifted therefrom and positioned in placeabove the lower modules 22. Referring to FIG. 5, the intermediatemodules 24 are positioned in place above lower modules 22 in thesequence depicted, starting with the corner modules 50. The adjacentintermediate modules 24 are secured together by attaching thehorizontally aligned scarfed ends of longitudinal tie members 175 ofadjacent modules 24, in the same manner as illustrated in FIG. 21 withrespect to lower modules 22. The lower ends of posts are secured to theupper ends of the corresponding posts 70 of the lower module immediatelybelow, to effectively connect modules 24 to modules 22. This connection,as illustrated in FIG. 19, includes a pair of connecting plates 302securing the vertically algined posts 70 and 170 together with bolts 303passing therethrough. To facilitate the alignment of the vertical posts70 and 170 of the respective adjacent modules 22 and 24 duringpositioning thereof, a removable guide shoe 305 may be secured to theupper end of post 70 to center post 170 immediately thereabove, as seenin FIG. 18. Guide shoe 305 has three sides, the lower ends of whichengage the upper end of post 70 and the upper ends of which flare out toreceive post 170 as it is dropped in place so as to slide it down intovertical alignment with post 70.- A suitable clamping arrangement 306 iseffective to clamp shoe 305 to post 70 and to permit removal therefromafter vertical alignment is achieved.

The upper modules 26 are then erected on work platforms and liftedtherefrom and positioned in place above intermediate modules 24.Referring to FIG. 6, the upper modules 26 are positioned in place aboveintermediate modules 24 in the sequence depicted, starting with thecorner module 58. Guide shoes 305 may be similarly used to ensurevertical alignment between corresponding posts 170 and 270. Posts 170and 270 are similarly secured together by use of connecting plates 302,as in FIG. 19 and the scarfed ends of the longitudinal tie members 275of adjacent modules 26 are secured together in the same manner, as inFIG. 21. Posts 191 and 192 are also secured together by use of plates302, as seen in FIG. 7.

Longitudinal braces 186, 286, and 287 indicated schematically by dottedlines in FIG. 3 and by phantom lines in FIGS. 12 and 16, connecttogether braces 87 and 187 and extend braces 187 to the top of thetower. Braces I86 extend between braces 87 and 187 and are connectedthereto at their respective ends by connecting plates 320 boltedthereto. Braces 286 are secured at their lower ends to braces 187 viaconnecting plates 320, as seen in FIG. 20, and at their upper ends tothe lower ends of braces 287, whose upper ends are in turn secured toposts 270. In modules 63 a brace 285, indicated by phantom lines in FIG.16, is connected in place in the same manner as braces 285 of module 60except with an opposite slope. The specific longitudinal brackingstructure including braces 86, 87, 186, 187, 286, 287 and 288, and thespecific locations thereof, vary with the size and structuralrequirements of the individual tower being constructed and may benotified without departing from the concept of the present invention.

The louver blade assembly 30 and drift eliminator assembly 32 are thensecured in place in the heretofore known conventional manner to completeconstruction of the fill area 20. The construction of the fan stack andfan drive assembly, and the water distribution system are all thatremain to be constructed to complete construction of the tower.

It should be appreciated that the exemplary eight cell tower hereinabove disclosed is for purpose of illustration as the present inventionmay be utilized to construct cooling towers of various numbers of cellsby arranging and stacking the modules of the present invention indifferent arrangements. To this end in particular, the positioning ofthe various forms of each module and in some cases the addition of otherforms may be necessary to meet the structural requirements of theparticular size of the tower.

Construction of the fill area of a cooling tower in ac- 10 cordance withthe method and structure alluded to above has proven to be moreeconomical than conventional construction in actual field experience.The work crew is divided into one group which specializes in theerection'of the modules on the work platforms and another group whichspecializes in installing the modules in place above the basin. Thistype of specialization is particularly important since cooling towersare built all over the country with the use of local workmen whofrequently have no experience in tower construction. Efficiencies arefurther achieved by reducing to a minimum the number of structuralconnections which are required to be made. in place on the tower atgreat heights above the ground. By positioning the fill hangers and thefill strips within the modules while on the platform it is not necessaryfor workmen to be punching fill in locations which have been heretoforeinconvenient to reach. Another important feature of the presentinvention is that the disclosed concept does not require the redesign ofthe heretofore built wooden towers and does not require the addition ofstructural members to permit the modular form of construction. whichinsures efficient performance of its intended functions,

Although not disclosed specifically herein the present inventioncontemplates the addition of louver assembly structure and drifteliminator assembly struc ture to the individual modules to eliminatethe need of providing same after the modules have been secured in place.The specific designs of such structures are well known to those skilledin the art and it would only require normal enginering procedure toprovide same to the modules of the present invention.

It should be understood of course, that the foregoing disclosure relatesto only a preferred embodiment of the invention and that numerousmodifications or alterations may be made therein without departing fromthe spirit and the scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of constructing the fill area of a large wood frame coolingtower wherein air is displaced to flow directionally, generallylaterally, within the fill area of the tower in cooling relation withdropping particulate liquid, comprising the steps of:

a. pouring a concrete foundation to serve as the cold water storagebasin;

b. constructing special work platforms adjacent the foundation;

c. fabricating the framework of lower, intermediate,

and upper fill area modules on said work platforms;

d. connecting fill hangers within the framework of said modules;

e. positioning fill material within said modules on said fill hangers;

f. attaching cell separating partition walls to specific modules whileon said platform;

g. attaching longitudinal cross braces to specific modules while on saidplatforms; and

h. lifting said lower, intermediate, and upper modules from saidplatform and respectively securing them directly to each other onealongside another and one atop of another above said foundation to formthe entire structure of said fill area.

l =l l

1. A method of constructing the fill area of a large wood frame coolingtower wherein air is displaced to flow directionally, generallylaterally, within the fill area of the tower in cooling relation withdropping particulate liquid, comprising the steps of: a. pouring aconcrete foundation to serve as the cold water storage basin; b.constructing special work platforms adjacent the foundation; c.fabricating the framework of lower, intermediate, and upper fill areamodules on said work platforms; d. connecting fill hangers within theframework of said modules; e. positioning fill material within saidmodules on said fill hangers; f. attaching cell separating partitionwalls to specific modules while on said platform; g. attachinglongitudinal cross braces to specific modules while on said platforms;and h. lifting said lower, intermediate, and upper modules from saidplatform and respectively securing them directly to each other onealongside another and one atop of another above said foundation to formthe entire structure of said fill area.